Tameka Butt says the Westfield Matildas have been working overtime on their finishing as they look to square the two-match series with Brazil on Wednesday.
Impressive midfielder Tameka Butt says the Westfield Matildas have been working overtime on their finishing as they look to square the two-match series with Brazil on Wednesday.
The Australians gave as good as they got against the sixth-ranked Samba Queens in Brisbane on Sunday, but went down 1-0 to Debora Oliveira's second half strike.
Hesterine de Reus' side created a host of chances throughout the match only to be let down by some wasteful work in front of goal.
Despite the defeat Butt says the side is in a confident mood and on the right track ahead of what is a pivotal month for the squad.
"The result wasn't what we wanted but the way we played was definitely a step up from Cyprus," Butt said on Tuesday.
"It just shows we had a lot more dangerous opportunities than (Brazil), it was just the finishing that let us down.
"We've been doing a lot of crossing and finishing in training. Our performances have been good and we're heading in the right direction.
"We just need the final result. That will be the main concern for us heading into (the Asian Cup). “Working on finishing and getting that result which is what we need to do."
Butt, who despite her tender age has already amassed 38 international caps, said Brazil's different approach at the Queensland Sports & Athletic Centre on Sunday took the Matildas by surprise.
And the 22-year-old has no doubt the Australian's have learned their lessons for game two. "They (Brazil) had a lot more of a structured backline in this game whereas in the past they've have tended to do a lot more man-marking," the Brisbane Roar star said
"There's normally a lot more space in behind for us to attack but they held their ground this time.
"Hesterine was pretty happy with our performance and given the conditions we adapted well.
"We just have to keep building on that. This camp has been a really good confidence booster for us."
The series is part of the Matildas' preparations as they aim to defend their Asian Cup title in Vietnam next month.
The green and gold have been put in a tricky group with the host nation, Jordan and world champions Japan.
"They (Japan) will be the team to beat," Butt said.
"We always seem to have a rivalry with them but it's healthy competition and I think they are the team we most aspire to in Asia.
"It's good to be in their group. We've got a few new girls in the squad but we've kept the core group together.
“It's pretty easy for us welcome new girls, we all get along so it works quite well.
"Though I'm not that old I definitely feel I'm like a senior player with the young girls coming through and I'm happy to take on that role."
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